Zarek Valentin

2012: Registered his first career goal and assist, playing 15 games, including 14 starts, in his first season with the Impact… Played six games in the MLS Reserve League, three as a starter… Also played in international matches against Bologna FC and the ACF Fiorentina Primavera, during the post-season tour in Italy.

2011: Selected in the first round, fourth overall, by Chivas USA in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft… Played 25 games, including 24 starts, in his first Major League Season, totalling 2,114 minutes of play… Chosen by the Montreal Impact in the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft on November 23… Took part in the MLS Generation adidas tour in Holland.

AMATEUR2010: Scored one goal in five games with the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League.

2009: Played four games with the Reading Rage of the USL Premier Development League.

INTERNATIONAL
Attended training camps in December and January with the U23 U.S. National Team, in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games… Played in 29 games with the U20 U.S. National Team, and also suited up for the U18, U17 and U15 squads…Was part of the Milk Cup winning U.S. side in Northern Ireland in 2010.

COLLEGE
Played two seasons with the Akron Zips, starting all 50 games… Helped the team to consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division I national championship match, winning the title in 2010…Named the 2009 MAC Newcomer of the Year and was a First Team All-MAC.

YOUTH
Attended Manheim Township High School where he was a three-time NSCAA Youth All-American, scoring 21 goals… Named a 2008 NSCAA High School Boys All-American and a First Team ESPN Rise All-America.

PERSONAL
Speaks fluent Spanish and is currently learning French… His brother Julian was drafted by the LA Galaxy and also played with NASL side FC Tampa Bay… Enjoys playing guitar, eating sushi and coaching his sister’s soccer team… Majored in communications.